People of PATTERN: Steve Brokaw

I was born in Indiana, but have lived and worked all over the US & world before returning to Indiana a few years ago.

Which neighborhood do you live in right now?

I live in Carmel, but am thinking about moving downtown to be closer to the studio.

What do you do for a living?

My professional “day job” is Director in the Finance organization for a company based in Irvine, California, but has a large business division here in Indianapolis.

What do you do as a creative outlet?

I am an experienced fashion, beauty, and portrait photographer. Most of my work is done in my studio located in the Circle City Industrial Complex called M10 Studio. I do photography professionally, but also as a passion. I research, study, test, and talk about the photography genre constantly. At the same time I’m an avid film & street photography nut. I am always carrying a film camera of some form and traveling to do street photography. You might even find me downtown every once in awhile with a film camera in my hand doing street photography. I also write two blogs for fun and creativity. One on film and one on my studio work.

What’s the most interesting thing happening in Indy right now?

I think the ongoing trend to downtown living including the construction occurring. I’m also super excited about the development at the Circle City Industrial Complex and surrounding area. This along with work along Mass Avenue will help keep downtown Indianapolis a very vibrant, creative, livable city.

Favorite local brewery, distillery or winery? (Or if not a drinker, then favorite eatery.)

Alas, my hitting the bars days are past, but I really enjoy going to any ethnic restaurants around town. I’m currently a big fan of Mama’s Korean restaurant in on the East side. At the same time I really enjoy a good steak and one of the many outstanding steak restaurants downtown. I’m also a fan of all the eateries along Mass Avenue near my studio.

Last trip you took?

I was in NYC where I had an opportunity to do some street photography. Prior to that a trip to Chicago to host a fashion / model photography workshop.

How did you first hear about PATTERN?

I was introduced to PATTERN when I first met Polina Osherov during a photography exhibit where she was the featured artist a number of years ago. I introduced myself and she mentioned PATTERN. I’ve been a fan of both since.

What was your favorite PATTERN meetup and why?

Unfortunately, due to my shoot and day job schedule I don’t get to many PATTERN meetups, which I regret. However, the one I enjoyed the most was a panel discussion last year that I was asked to participate. The topic was on the fashion scene here in Indianapolis and what the panel felt was needed to help it advance.

What event are you looking forward to attending this month?

This month is focused on studio work, so I’m not going to get much time to celebrate the holidays. However, I’ve organized a big photoshoot at the studio with several really amazing talents I’ve worked with previously. We are going to just have fun doing a very hair and makeup centric photoshoot. We are going to just experiment and push the edges. Other than that, simply enjoy the holidays with my family!